FSS 128 - Understanding School Systems

2.0 Credits
Gain knowledge and skills to support newcomer parents’ understanding of school structures, schools’ operations and parent rights and responsibilities. Emphasis given to promoting parents’ participation in their children’s education. Field study required. Permit code required.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

Describe and analyze how school boards function and the role of the school board member. [COMMUNICATE]
Describe how public schools are financed. [COMMUNICATE]
Develop public speaking skills and confidence to present an issue to a School Board. [COMMUNICATE]
Identify and describe the leadership structure of a typical school district. [ACT]
Develop strategies to assist parents to plan for meaningful parent/teacher conferences. [ACT]
Describe and analyze gateways and challenges for parent leaders as they help parents understand the system. [REASON ]
Develop problem solving skills to help parents appropriately advocate for their children. [ACT]
Develop strategies to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities in our schools. [REASON]